Antenna cap, antenna connectors and telephone line connectors for computer devices utilizing radio and modem cards

• US 5,708,833 A
• Filed: 06/10/1994
• Issued: 01/13/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 04/27/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Avago Technologies General IP PTE Limited (Broadcom, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Norand Corporation (Baker Hughes Company)
• Inventors: Mahany, Ronald L., West, Guy J., Kinney, Patrick W.
• Primary Examiner(s): SHAH, ALPESH
• Application Number:
  US08/258,285
• Time in Patent Office: 1,313 Days
• Field of Search: 375/722, 375/8, 375/59, 375/75, 364/238.5, 364/929, 439/64, 439/43, 439/44, 439/47, 439/50, 439/62, 395/200.2, 395/311, 395/800, 395/828, 395/856, 395/882, 342/74, 342/82, 342/89, 343/751, 343/767, 379/58-61, 455/128, 455/129
• US Class Current: 710/301
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1656 Details related to functional adaptations of the enclosure, e.g. to provide protection against EMI, shock, water, or to host detachable peripherals like a mouse or removable expansions units like PCMCIA cards, or to provide access to internal components for maintenance or to removable storage supports like CDs or DVDs, or to mechanically mount accessories mounting of accessories to a computer display G06F1/1607; display hoods G06F1/1603; cooling arrangements for portable computers G06F1/203
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1698 the I/O peripheral being a sending/receiving arrangement to establish a cordless communication link, e.g. radio or infrared link, integrated cellular phone details of antennas disposed inside a computer H01Q1/2266
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 15/0225 User interface arrangements, e.g. keyboard, display; Interfaces to other computer systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1632 Pen holder integrated in the computer
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 2200/1633 Protecting arrangement for the entire housing of the computer
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/1098 the scanning arrangement having a modular construction
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/007 specially adapted for indoor communication
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/2275 associated to expansion card or bus, e.g. in PCMCIA, PC cards, Wireless USB
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/24 with receiving set
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/241 used in mobile communications, e.g. GSM H01Q1/247, H01Q1/248 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/273 Adaptation for carrying or wearing by persons or animals
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 21/24 Combinations of antenna units polarised in different directions for transmitting or receiving circularly and elliptically polarised waves or waves linearly polarised in any direction circularly polarised patch antennas H01Q9/0428; circularly polarised horns H01Q13/0241; cross-polarised horns H01Q13/0258; polarisation converters H01Q15/242; cross-polarised rear feeds H01Q19/136; crossed polarisation dual antenna H01Q25/001
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 21/29 Combinations of different interacting antenna units for giving a desired directional characteristic H01Q25/00 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/38 Transceivers, i.e. devices in which transmitter and receiver form a structural unit and in which at least one part is used for functions of transmitting and receiving
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/3816 Mechanical arrangements for accommodating identification devices, e.g. cards or chips; with connectors for programming identification devices
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/3833 Hand-held transceivers
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/3877 Arrangements for enabling portable transceivers to be used in a fixed position, e.g. cradles or boosters
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/32 Architecture of open systems interconnection [OSI] 7-layer type protocol stacks, e.g. the interfaces between the data link level and the physical level
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/324 : in the data link layer [OSI layer 2], e.g. HDLC
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/325 : in the network layer [OSI layer 3], e.g. X.25 H04L69/16 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 69/326 : in the transport layer [OSI layer 4] H04L69/16 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 9/40 : Network security protocols
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/06 : adapted for operation in multiple networks or having at least two operational modes, e.g. multi-mode terminals

Abstract

A computer apparatus for receiving a removable communication card such as a radio card or a modem card. A radio or modem is serf-contained inside a housing of the communication card and has an electrical interface for communicating information to and from the computer apparatus. The computer apparatus receives the communication card such that it engages the electrical interface. These contacts automatically connect the communication card to an appropriate antenna, telephone or telephone line. A radio communication card is connected to the appropriate antenna for the type and frequency of the radio. A modem card is connected to a standard telephone line, a cellular phone, or an antenna for a cellular phone if the cellular phone is also disposed within the housing of the modem communication card. Additionally, a switching matrix can be used to connect one set of contacts on a radio card or a modem card to one or more of a plurality of antennas and telephone lines. A computer device utilizing an antenna cap which covers the opening into which the radio has been inserted is also shown. Antenna contacts are disposed on the cap to engage the antenna contacts positioned on the end of the radio card. At least one antenna is operably connected to the radio card through the cap. A band is used to attach the cap to the housing of the computer device. The antenna or antennas are embedded in the cap, in the band, or embedded in or attached to the housing of the computer device. Positioning two similar antennas in different position creates an antenna diversity scheme. Shielding can be added to the cap to help reduce the escape of electronic noise. A micro shield ribbon can be used to connect the antenna and the antenna contacts on the cap.

Claims

1. Apparatus comprising:

a removable radio card, said removable radio card including a housing, a radio disposed within said housing, a pair of radio antenna contacts positioned on said housing and electrically connected to said radio, and a radio electrical interface operably and electrically connected to said radio;

means for receiving said removable radio card;

means disposed on said receiving means for engaging said radio electrical interface;

a pair of receiving means antenna contacts disposed on said receiving means and positioned such that said pair of radio antenna contacts electrically encounter said pair of receiving means antenna contacts; and

an antenna electrically and operably connected to said pair of receiving means antenna contacts.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a second pair of receiving means antenna contacts disposed on said receiving means; and

a second antenna electrically and operably connected to said second pair of receiving means antenna contacts.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, further comprising:

a third pair of receiving means antenna contacts disposed on said receiving means; and

a third antenna electrically and operably connected to said third pair of receiving means antenna contacts.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said receiving means comprises opposed grooves.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said receiving means comprises a slot.

6. Apparatus for utilizing a removable radio card, said removable radio card including a housing, a radio disposed within said housing, a pair of radio antenna contacts positioned on said housing and electrically connected to said radio, and a radio electrical interface operably and electrically connected to said radio, comprising:

means for receiving said removable radio card;

means disposed on said receiving means for engaging said radio electrical interface;

a pair of receiving means antenna contacts disposed on said receiving means and positioned such that said pair of radio antenna contacts electrically encounter said pair of receiving means antenna contacts; and

an antenna electrically and operably connected to said pair of receiving means antenna.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising:

a second pair of receiving means antenna contacts disposed on said receiving means; and

a second antenna electrically and operably connected to said second pair of receiving means antenna contacts.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising:

a third pair of receiving means antenna contacts disposed on said receiving means; and

a third antenna electrically and operably connected to said third pair of receiving means antenna contacts.

9. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said receiving means comprises opposed grooves.

10. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said receiving means comprises a slot.

11. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said radio card further comprises a second pair of radio antenna contacts positioned on said housing and electrically connected to said radio and wherein said second pair of radio antenna contacts electrically encounters said second pair of receiving means antenna contacts.

12. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said radio card further comprises a second pair of radio antenna contacts positioned on said housing and electrically connected to said radio and wherein said second pair of radio antenna contacts electrically encounters one of said second pair of receiving means antenna contacts and said third pair of receiving means antenna contacts.

13. Apparatus comprising:

a removable radio card, said removable radio card including a housing, a radio disposed within said housing, at least one pair of radio antenna contacts positioned on said housing and electrically connected to said radio, and a radio electrical interface operably and electrically connected to said radio;

means for receiving said removable radio card;

means disposed on said receiving means for engaging said radio electrical interface;

at least three pair of receiving means antenna contacts disposed on said receiving means and positioned such that at least one pair of said at least one pair of radio antenna contacts electrically encounter at least one pair of said at least three pair of receiving means antenna contacts; and

an antenna electrically and operably connected to said pair of receiving means antenna contacts.

14. Apparatus for utilizing a removable modem card, said removable modem card including a housing, a modem disposed within said housing, a pair of telephone line contacts positioned on said housing and electrically connected to said modem, and an electrical interface operably connected to said housing and electrically connected to said modem, comprising:

means for receiving said removable modem card;

means disposed on said receiving means for engaging said electrical interface;

a pair of receiving means contacts disposed on said receiving means and positioned such that said pair of telephone line contacts electrically encounter said pair of receiving means contacts; and

telephone means electrically and operably connected to said pair of receiving means contacts for providing a telephone signal to said modem card.

15. Apparatus for utilizing a removable modem card, said removable modem card including a housing, a modem disposed within said housing a cellular phone device operably and electrically connected to said modem and disposed within said housing, a pair of cellular phone antenna contacts positioned on said housing and electrically connected to said cellular phone, and an electrical interface operably connected to said housing and electrically connected to said modem, comprising:

means for receiving said removable modem card;

means disposed on said receiving means for engaging said electrical interface;

a pair of receiving means antenna contacts disposed on said receiving means and positioned such that said pair of cellular phone antenna contacts electrically encounter said pair of receiving means antenna contacts; and

a cellular phone antenna electrically and operably connected to said pair of receiving means antenna contacts.

16. Apparatus for utilizing a removable communication card, said removable communication card including a housing, one of a modem or radio disposed within said housing, communication card contacts positioned on said housing and electrically connected to said radio or modem, and an electrical interface operably and electrically connected to said modem or radio, said apparatus comprising:

means for receiving said removable communication card;

means disposed on said receiving means for engaging said electrical interface;

receiving means contacts disposed on said receiving means and positioned such that said receiving means contacts electrically encounter said communication card contacts;

a switching matrix electrically and operably connected to said receiving means contacts;

at least one of antennas and telephone jacks attached to or disposed within said apparatus and electrically and operably connected to said switching matrix; and

a control microprocessor, said microprocessor electrically and operably connected to said switching matrix, wherein said control microprocessor interrogates the communication card to determine to which antenna or telephone jack said communication should be connected and wherein said control microprocessor communicates the appropriate information to said switching matrix.

17. A radio frequency communication apparatus comprising:

a removable communication card, said removable communication card including a housing, a radio disposed within said housing, an antenna interface disposed on said housing and electrically connected to said radio, and a communication interface disposed on said housing and electrically connected to said radio;

a receiving device capable of receiving said removable communication card;

a plurality of antennas connected to said receiving device, and each of said plurality of antennas having at least one electrical contact;

means disposed on said receiving device for engaging said communication interface upon receipt by said receiving device of said removable communication card; and

said antenna interface and said electrical contacts being positioned so as to selectively interconnect one of said plurality of antennas upon receipt by said receiving device of said removable communication card.

18. A radio frequency communication apparatus comprising:

a removable communication card, said removable communication card including a housing, a radio disposed within said housing, an antenna interface disposed on said housing and electrically connected to said radio, and a communication interface disposed on said housing and electrically connected to said radio;

a receiving device capable of receiving said removable communication card;

a plurality of antennas associatively connected to said receiving device;

means disposed on said receiving device for engaging said communication interface upon receipt by said receiving device of said removable communication card; and

means for selecting one of said plurality of antennas for electrical connection to said radio through said antenna interface.

19. A radio frequency communication apparatus comprising:

a removable communication card, said removable communication card including a housing, a radio disposed within said housing, an antenna interface disposed on said housing and electricy connected to said radio, and a communication interface disposed on said housing and electrically connected to said radio;

a receiving device capable of receiving said removable communication card;

a plurality of antennas associatively connected to said receiving device;

means disposed on said receiving device for engaging said communication interface upon receipt by said receiving device of said removable communication card; and

controller operable after receipt of said removable communication card by said receiving device to selectively connect one of said plurality of antennas to said radio through said antenna interface.

20. A radio frequency communication apparatus comprising:

a removable communication card, said removable communication card including a housing, a radio disposed within said housing, and an antenna interface disposed on said housing and electrically connected to said radio;

an antenna associatively connected with said removable communication card;

a receiving device capable of receiving said removable communication card;

means for identifying the existence of alternate antennas deposed with said receiving device; and

means responsive to the identifying means for selecting an antenna for electrical connection to said radio.

21. A radio frequency communication apparatus comprising:

a removable communication card, said removable communication card including a housing, a radio disposed within said housing, and an antenna interface disposed on said housing and electrically connected to said radio;

a receiving device capable of receiving said removable communication card;

means for identifying antennas deposed with said receiving device; and

means responsive to the identifying means for selecting an antenna for electrical connection to said radio.

22. A radio frequency communication apparatus comprising:

a removable communication card, said removable communication card comprising a transceiver capable of radio frequency communication, a housing surrounding and containing said transceiver unit, and a first antenna associatively connected with said removable communication card;

a receiving device capable of receiving said removable communication card, said receiving device including an second antenna associatively connected with said receiving device; and

means for selectively interconnecting either the first or second antenna with said transceiver.

23. Apparatus for utilizing a removable communication card, said removable communication card including a housing, one of a modem or radio disposed within said housing, and an electrical interface operably and electrically connected to said modem or radio, said apparatus comprising:

a switching unit;

means for receiving said removable communication card so as to engage and electrically interconnect said electrical interface with said switching unit;

at least one antenna or telephone jack attached to or disposed within said apparatus and electrically and operably connected to said switching unit;

a controller electrically and operably connected to control said switching unit; and

said processor responds to the communication card received by directing the interconnection of the removable communication card with the antenna or telephone jack via the switching unit.